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Willingham may return to lineup Wednesday

Nationals manager Manny Acta is hoping that outfielder Josh Willingham will start against the Reds on Wednesday. Willingham has missed the last week because of a viral infection.

When he returns to the lineup, Willingham will play right field instead of left. Willingham has never played the position during his career, but was working out in right the last three days.

Acta stopped short of saying that Willingham would be the everyday right fielder. For most of the season, Willingham has been alternating with outfielder Austin Kearns, but Kearns is hitting .214 with three home runs and 15 RBIs. Willingham, on the other hand, is hitting .252 with nine home runs and 12 RBIs.

“Once Josh shows he can swing the bat the way he was swinging it, then he is probably going to go out there more often than not,” Acta said.

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